Pitesti

15 minutes away

Pitesti is the main city in the area (15 min drive from Oarja) also known in Romania as "City of Tulips". The title is well-deserved as in spring the city is flocked with visitors coming just to see them, especially during Tulips Festival or Tulip Symphony, held in April (http://www.simfonialalelelor-pitesti.ro/) city's main event. At night, there is a spectacular Musical Fountain (or Fantana Muzicala) located in front of city hall ; the water 'dances' to the music and changes lighting- making it very popular with the public. There is also an abundance of bars, pubs, shops in the downtown area, on Pitesti's vibrant high street.

Tulip Symphony

Fantana Muzicala

Downtown Pitesti

Biserica Sfantul Gheorghe

Transfagarasan

1 hour away

Transfagarasan is a road famous for its twists and turns. It is the 2nd highest paved road in Romania(after Transalpina) and considered to be the most dramatic. It was constructed between 1970-1974 and climbs up to 2,034 metres altitude. The zig zag roads offer stunning views.

While driving towards Transfagarasan traveller could stop for few interesting spots . For intance, 37kms from Pitesti is the historic Manasteria Curtea de Arges, built in 1512-1517, it is alleged that the head mason who was then constructing the monastery was encountering so many problems with the construction with the walls constantly falling that he followed his fellow workers suggestion to 'sacrifice' his wife. It was believed that the project was cursed and the only way to counter the curse is to 'offer' her soul. Her remains were buried in the walls and there is even a mark on the spot to identify the exact location. At the same location Romania's kings and queens are buried. Another interesting attraction is Cetatea Poenari or Poenari fortress where Vlad Tepes(Dracula) hideaway use to be. Just few kilometers away is spectacular Vidraru dam, an engineering masterpiece guarded by stainless steel made Statue of electricity which resembles to a caracter from now famous movie, Transformers.

Spectacular Transfagarasan Road

Vidraru dam en route to Balea Lac

GlBalea Lac

Travelers using the road are rewarded by an added bonus: the Balea Lac at the summit which is a glacier lake at the highest point of Transfagarasan. Well worth checking Cabana Balea Lac restaurant patio (Balea Lake Chalet&Restaurant) visible in the photo.

Curtea de Arges

30 minutes away

Curtea de Arges Cathedral

Manasteria de Curtea de Arges

The Princely Church

​The Princely Church

The region’s oldest Orthodox church (14C)is striking primarily for its stone and brick façade. Inside, the well-preserved wall paintings (1364-1384) are believed to be the oldest surviving examples of Romanian painting.

Bucharest

1 hour away

Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of "Little Paris"), Bucharest, Romania's largest city and capital, is today a bustling metropolis.

A Romanian legend says that the city of Bucharest was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literarily means "joy."

The Palace of the Parliament

According to the World Records Academy, the Palace is the world's largest civilian building, most expensive administrative building, and heaviest building.

Nicolae Ceaușescu named it the House of the Republic (Casa Republicii), but many Romanians call it the People's House (Casa Poporului). Today is called Palace of Parlament as it houses Romanian Deputies Chamber.

It has a total of 12 floors and340,000 m2 (3,700,000 sq ft).

Palace of the Parliament

Arch of Triumph

Initially built of wood in 1922 to honor the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I, Bucharest's very own Arc de Triomphe was finished in Deva granite in 1936.